Frequently Asked Questions About Disposable Latex, Vinyl and Nitrile Gloves

To help you choose the right type of glove for your specific needs we have compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions concerning disposable gloves. Click on the questions below.

1. Are vinyl gloves better than latex or nitrile in terms of protection?
2. What type of protective gloves costs the least: Latex, Vinyl, or Nitrile?
3. What is the difference between powdered latex gloves and non-powdered?
4. What should I look for in a latex glove?
5. Are powder free latex gloves completely void of powder?
6. Can latex examination gloves cause allergies?
7. Are nitrile work gloves made with any latex or latex proteins?
8. Why do some nitrile gloves contain aloe?

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Question 1:

Are vinyl gloves better than latex or nitrile in terms of protection?

Answer:

Research has shown that vinyl gloves are not as strong as latex or nitrile gloves in terms of there puncture resistance. They fit loosely to the hands due to their limited ability to stretch. They are mostly used for non medical purposes.

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Question 2:

What type of protective gloves costs the least: Latex, Vinyl, or Nitrile?

Answer:

Generally speaking, vinyl gloves will usually cost a little less than latex and nitrile gloves.

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Question 3:

What is the difference between powdered latex gloves and non-powdered?

Answer:

Powdered latex gloves have cornstarch added to them to help the user in donning them (putting them on).

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Question 4:

What should I look for in a latex glove?

Answer:

Look for comfortable, good barrier protection, tactile sensitivity. Individuals diagnosed with latex allergies should not use natural rubber latex gloves. If powder is inappropriate in an area, select powder-free gloves.

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Question 5:

Are powder free latex gloves completely void of powder?

Answer:

Although many suppliers claim they offer powder free gloves. Are they really 100% powder free? No, but its close. There are small traces of powder that may include cornstarch, calcium carbonate aggregates, latex particles, synthetic debris, packaging fibers, non-soluble lubricants, and dust. In most cases powder free gloves have an absolute minimum of powder (defined as anything that does not pass through a 2.7 micrometer glass microfiber filter).

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Question 6:

Can latex examination gloves cause allergies?

Answer:

Yes. Latex examination gloves can cause allergies. Some individuals can have an allergic reaction to certain proteins in latex rubber. Natural rubber latex is found in most latex gloves, and many medical, household, and other consumer products. The amount of latex exposure needed to produce allergies is not known but increasing the exposure increases the risk. Even low levels can trigger allergic reactions in some sensitized individuals, even if they never experienced symptoms before.

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Question 7:

Are nitrile work gloves made with any latex or latex proteins?

Answer:

Nitrile work gloves are not made with latex so they contain no latex proteins. Nitrile is more resistant to a variety of harsh chemicals and provides superior cut and abrasion resistance. Nitrile gloves are up to three times more puncture resistant than natural rubber.

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Question 8:

Why do some nitrile gloves contain aloe?

Answer:

Some nitrile gloves contain aloe so it's easier to put them on. When donning any type of non powdered glove its best to use some type of lubricant/cream.

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Related Dawg® Products
Latex Disposable Gloves
Disposable Nitrile Gloves
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